If you are on a budget, like all of us, right?...start with these FREE programs!

This is a great free program that is basically a clone of Photoshop...It's GIMP!
It is very easy to learn and works great for photo editing!
Another great one is called PIXLR!
I used Pixlr to do this Ghosts in the Graveyard Post!

Here's a free program for 3D rendering if you've ever considered giving that a try!
It's BLENDER!

And for your enjoyment, my daughter drawing a pony at lightning speed: